 It seems like no one took Dennis Bortko seriously a few years back when he first introduced the idea of an International Chili Society (ICS) regional competition on sunny South Padre Island. But Dennis, recently retired (semi-retired, if you know Dennis), was particularly qualified to come up with such an idea in the first place.
For one, he was a former chili champion, and a freelance chef-extraordinaire. In addition, and for good measure, he was a man accustomed to getting things done in a big way; full of passion and eager to put deep South Texas on the International Chili map.
It just didn't seem right to Dennis that South Padre Island wasn't an important stop along the way to the World Chili Cook Off Championships held in Reno, Nevada, every year, and he set out as a one many army to change things. And change them he did!
What started out as a small beach gathering of chili aficionada a few years back has grown into a major South Texas event, luring chili heads from across the continent to the Island to participate in this premiere benefit event.
The ICS sanctioned regional cook off will take place on May 7, 2005 and staged in the Isla Blanca (Cameron County) Park on the southwest tip of the island. The competition includes a red chili division, green chili division, people's choice division, Best of Show category and a salsa contest. The winner also gets the chance for an expenses paid trip out to Reno to compete in the world competition!
In addition to heavenly recipes of delicious chili, the event contributes greatly to the community-at-large. The "Teach The Children" campaign is the primary beneficiary of the gala chili cook off, with hundreds of children in the Rio Grande Valley benefiting from the event's success.
South Padre Island is one of Texas' best kept secrets. Chiliheads can enjoy the beach and water recreation available as well as take advantage of chartered deep sea and bay fishing tours. The fishing is always great on the Island! Competitors and spectators alike will also enjoy the great nightlife and wonderful restaurants of the Island. And shopping excursions into Mexico are a short 23-miles away.
Be aware, there are ICS regulations regarding entry into this contest. Check the official RGV Chili Cook Off Web site for all the information you will need to spend some quality time on the Island, cooking/eating some of the best chili in a state known for good chili. Bon Appetit!
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Rio Grande Valley